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Identity Theft of Kids on Fox and Friends

Identity Theft of Kids:
Fox and Friends

This weekend I hopped the train to NYC to be a guest with Clayton Morris on Fox and Friends, seen on the Fox News Channel.  Now this wasn't a usual guest spot that I might do on tv talking about products on the market or the usual I do with Real Mom Media.  But this was the story of a real mom...who will shout her story from the rooftops if it helps one person from the hassle. 

That mom is ME.  

Back in March of 2009 I got a call from Target wanting to verify that I was trying to open up a credit card with them online.  We obviously didn't have any Target cards nor did I ever want one.  That little call (KUDOS to Target for doing) started a snowball effect for me and my family.

What a royal pain it has been too.

Here I am, FOUR years later and I'm still cleaning up the mess.

With over $100,000 worth of CRAP opened up in my name.  From cellphones to some random candy distributor in Indiana...the bill collectors kept coming in. 

The investigative reporter in me FLIPPED OUT.  I was able to get more information from one of the collectors that gave me a 314 area code phone number.  The person who stole my identity used an old address I had where I lived for 6 months in St. Louis, Mo.  314 is the area code there.  I wasn't sure if the number would work - but I gave it a shot.

A MAN: 'Hello?'

ME: 'Hi.  Can I speak to Joey Fortman?'

THE JERK:  'This is Joey Fortman.'

ME: 'No!  I'M JOEY FORTMAN!  YOU STOLE MY IDENTITY!!!'

Granted.  Never smart to try and take the law into your own hands.  And needless to say-I had more choice words to say to him than that...but we'll leave it at that. 

Next thing I knew-he turned off the phone.  Fast forward.....

Through all this I was also able to uncover that someone (probably not the same person who stole my identity) tried to open a credit card account in my then 2 year olds name.  I was LIVID when I came across that.

I now have tight security on ALL of my family.  And as I'm still getting calls from creditors and have to rehash the hell of identity theft time and time again - I want others to learn from my experience.

My NUMBER ONE TIP I can give you is this - PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY!!!!  Don't think it won't happen to you... 

Along with Joe Mason, author of the book Bankrupt at Birth: Why Child Identity Theft Is On The Rise & How It's Happening Under Parents' Noses.

#JBFPhilly Reading Twitter Party

We are at it again! The next Just Between Friends - Reading and Western Mainline sale is coming up next week in Reading, PA and we are kicking off the sale with another Twitter Party!

To help you get the inside scoop for consigning, be sure to join the Twitter party on Tuesday, April 9th from 8-9pm {EST}.

Party Topic 

Join @JBFPhilly, @joeyfortman, and @TheStephGlover, as we chat all about consignment shopping! The party will be held on Tuesday, April 9th from 8-9  p.m. ET (7CT, 6MT, 5PT).

Party Details

•  What: #JBFPhilly Twitter party
• When: Tuesday, March 12 from 8-9 p.m. EST
• Hashtags: #JBFPhilly
• Topic: Consignment Shopping
• Who: Brand Panelists: @JBFPhilly, Moderator(s): @joeyfortman,@TheStephGlover
• Prizes:$250 worth of prizes!

RT @joeyfortman Join the @jbfphilly Twitter party 4/9 (8-9 ET) on #consignment shopping! http://bit.ly/13ReoiR #JBFPhilly PLS RT

Make sure you RSVP below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Family Review

Happy Family Review

I'm super excited to be working with such an awesome brand, Happy Family.

We have been buying these products for years in our home.  They've come such a long way since Boston was born!!  So many new products on the market these days!

I always tell him 'Boston you INHALE that stuff!'  He seriously does too.  No joke.

The Happy Squeeze line doesn't last more than 2 days in our house.  He'll suck one down then go for another!

When we first started buying these I had to HIDE them from him!!  No kidding.  And we're still working on over indulging in the Happy Family.  

The good news is that these products are super healthy and great for Boston so I don't go way too overboard...  If he wants two-then he gets it! 

The Happy Family company was started by a MOM which always a good reason to support a brand in my honest opinion.  =)  The founder & CEO Shazi started the company after a conversation with a friend who shared her struggles with making her own baby food because she couldn't find healthy baby food on the market.

Long story short...a mom from Jersey City, NJ created such a wonderful product on the market.  Their products vary from baby to tots, kids to even grown ups.  

Happy Family products can be found at Whole Foods, Target, Dominicks (for my Chicago mom friends), Giant, ShopRite and more.  Pretty much everywhere!  There is no excuse you can use to not get these healthy treats for your kids.  I would be lying if I didn't tell the truth that my kid HATES veggies....but with these products they are so super hidden it's fab!  KALE?!!?!  Can you believe kale is in some of these??  

Awesomeness.

Congress Hall Cape May Spring Retreat

Congress Hall

Cape May

Spring Retreat

This past weekend I finally got out of the house a bit to enjoy springtime and actually get into the Easter spirit. 

Since having this baby I've been so couped up in the house it was great to hit the road and head to my favorite little shore time for some fun.

My mom is still in town so we loaded up the car and headed to Congress Hall (www.CongressHall.com).  We stayed in the Annie Knight Suite.  First let me tell you a little about this glorious hotel.  I've been going to Congress Hall for the past 3 summers and love it.  They are a very family friendly place and this past week was no exception!  

With Spring Break and Easter on the horizon, Congress Hall held a number of activities.  From a Mad Hatter's Tea Party, Pirates & Princesses Party, 'Kids Can Cook, Too!' event, train rides & hugs with Blue - the hotel mascot...we did NOT.STOP.MOVING! lol

Boston loved every second of it.  His favorite was riding the train and learning to cook where he got a chefs hat and apron.  (And I must say looked totally adorable in it!)

The Kids Can Cook, Too event will happen at Congress Hall every year during Spring Break time.  It's a really fun event that you won't find on other properties!  

One of the biggest things that I love about the Cape Resorts Group properties is the food.  Dining at any of their properties is an awesome experience.  The food is fresh and fun!  They have a farm called Beach Plum Farm where they grow produce and new this year is the pigs!  I also learned that they are started to grow their own herbs for creating their own teas this summer!  

It was fun to explore the farm and see how much it has grown since I saw it 2 summers ago.  Hymie, the hard working man behind the farm gave me a tour and we got to see the adorable new piglets.  What's great about their food is that there is NOTHING put on them!!  The pigs are growing without being pumped with hormones and the vegetation is clear of pesticides.  We even ate lettuce right out of the ground. That was a good feeling!

Sea Spa Terre & Mer Facial by Thalgo

 I can't even begin to tell you how luxurious this was!!  Total LUX!  They do something that I've never had done in a facial....

They gave me a back massage before the facial.....

H*E*A*V*E*N!!!

I highly suggest this awesome facial. The products are top of the line and the service is just truly outstanding!

I'd show you a pic-but I looked like a total dweeb with the mask on. lol.  

Anyway, Mother's Day is coming up!  Get mom one of these facials at Sea Spa in Congress Hall!!!

All in all it was a wonderful getaway with my little family.  Congress Hall is amazing for one if the kind - top notch experiences that you won't find at 'traditional vacation properties'.